PREVIEW: The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class (W 246) caught undisguised in the "wild"

Well ahead of the official debut at Frankfurt this fall, the new B-Class has been recently photographed completely naked at a photo shoot organized in the USA. The only picture we got reveals the back end of the MPV, which emphasizes a curved tailgate, bigger lamps (with LED technology on high-end versions) and a narrower rear windshield to balance with the overall, dynamic aspect of the car. Following the lines guiding to the front end, we find some controversial design theme on the side profile (visually reminiscent of the Concept BlueZERO), that is not entirely harmonious, but far from unnoticeable. Compared to the outgoing model, the roof line of the new B-Class was lowered to contribute to the appealing stance. The conclusion which rises immediately is this is likely the first, true CST (Compact Sports Tourer) in the history of Mercedes-Benz since 2004, when this marketing appellation was born. If you were about the front end, that's still a mystery, but given the obvious brotherhood with the future A-Class, it shouldn't be far apart from the example shown in these leaked patent sketches. When it's launched, the new B-Class will comprise an efficient lineup of engines which come from both Renault and Mercedes-Benz: the range-topping units will be the B 250 BlueEFFICIENCY and B 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, which feature the same peak output number - 204 hp. An eco-friendly version running on compressed natural gas (CNG), boasting around 175 hp, is also expected to come into force by 2012 or 2013; other variants, such as fuel cell, plug-in hybrid and pure electric, are programmed to bow later, as extra time is needed to completely refine those exquisite powering solutions.